10/27/08

The American bishops have offered a Novena in preparation for the election on November 4. If you begin the novena on Monday October 27, it will end on election day. The link takes you to the Novena where you will find a scripture passage and points for prayer and reflection for each of the nine days. In addition here's a prayer adapted from the Catholic Book of Household Blessings and Prayers:

Lord God,as the election approaches,we seek to better understand the issues and concernsthat confront our city, state and country,and how the Gospel compels us to respondas faithful citizens in our community.

We ask for eyes free from blindnessso that we might see each other as brothers and sisters,one and equal in dignity,especially those who are victimsof abuse and violence, deceit and poverty.

We ask for ears that will hearthe cries of children unborn and those abandoned,men and women oppressed because of race or creed,religion or gender.

We ask for minds and heartsopen to hearingthe voices of leaderswhose work brings us closerto your reign of peace.

We pray for your Spirit to guide our discernmentthat we may chose leaderswho hear the wisdom in your Word,live your love,and keep in the ways of your truth.

Help us to follow in the steps of Jesus and his apostlesand come to the Kingdom he has promised.

6 comments:

I received a video email from someone and it was produced by "Catholic Vote". I found it to be a call to vote a particular way saying that certain issues must take prioritiy. They encourage all people to vote (which is good) but the message was obvious... I do not know who backed this vdeo but I found it offensive. My friend also told me that her priest said: (I Kid You Not!!!) "If you vote Democratic, you will sin! Because only ONE issue counts!" Sorry, but to me that party also does not respect life in other areas - a war, death penalty... Just my thoughts as we go in for the final week.

I couldn't agree with Anonymous more when he/she stated there is more than one pro-life issue.What about the war in Iraq and the loss of so many young men? What about the death penalty. Doesn't that all fall under Pro-Life?

My conscience tells me strongly that I must vote for candidates both of whom I believe to be capable, by virtue of intelligence, knowledge, and compassion, of governing this country competently and fairly and for the good of all its citizens to the greatest extent possible. Reduction in poverty and improvement in educational support, as well as peace in our time, will help those here already and contribute to fewer deaths of the unborn and to better lives of all. Ours should be a government of the people, by the people, and FOR the people - all of them! All colors, creeds, statuses.

WORD FOR THE WEEKEND 3/8

Click on the bible for this coming Sunday's readings and some notes to help you understand them.

A Blessing for Lent

Click above for a sung Lenten blessing

Lent 2015

For a pocket cross with this scripture verse, send a stamped self-addressed envelope to Concord Pastor, 55 Church Street, Concord, MA 01742

Music for Winter Prayer

(Click on the image for a prayer)

href="http://ekaterinasfluff.com/album/the-keys-of-e">The Keys of E by Ekaterina

A daily prayer

A song and prayer for Lent

I need a clean heart this Lent, Lord, so in these 40 days I pray you'll: sweep, dust, cleanse, mend, repair, forgive, purify and strengthen this heart of mine... And because I need a new spirit within me, Lord, I pray you'll: renew my listless spirit, lift up my drooping spirit, rekindle my burned-out spirit, open up my selfish spirit, refresh my failing spirit, energize my tired spirit, pardon my sinful spirit and put a right spirit within me, within this heart of mine...

Are you thinking about becoming a Catholic?

The best place to start is always one of your local Catholic churches. Drop in some Sunday and see what's going on. Then you might speak to the pastor or someone on the parish staff about how they can help you and respond to your questions.